Olympic freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy has delivered a remarkable revelation concerning the widespread 2014 speculation about a potential romance with global pop icon Miley Cyrus. The 34-year-old athlete shared this personal bombshell during a candid interview with The New Yorker, where he identified striking similarities between his own experiences and the narrative of the popular television series Heated Rivalry.
A Mirror to Fiction
Kenworthy drew what he described as 'insane parallels' between his brief, media-frenzied connection to Cyrus and the show's plot involving its protagonist, Shane Hollander. In the series, Hollander finds himself 'suddenly linked' to a famous woman named Rose Landry, a strategic move designed to conceal his true identity. For Kenworthy, this fictional scenario echoed his reality with an uncanny and uncomfortable resonance.
'As much as I kind of wanted it - because that’s the person you would want to be with if you’re straight, someone successful and beautiful and talented - it’s not the same as when you’re with a guy,' Kenworthy explained, articulating the complex emotions he navigated at the time.
The Sochi Spark
The entire episode ignited during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. Shortly after securing a silver medal just before Valentine's Day, Kenworthy publicly declared Cyrus to be his 'dream date' and 'celeb crush.' These comments instantly fuelled a wildfire of global gossip and intense tabloid speculation, creating a narrative that took on a life of its own.
Reflecting on the period, Kenworthy admitted the situation rapidly grew convoluted behind the scenes. 'It was surreal for a number of reasons, but I was also digging myself this deeper and deeper hole,' he recalled. 'I actually love her. But then there was some flirty texting, and I remember thinking, "What am I doing? I don't want to do this anymore. I don't want to keep waking up and lying."'
The Secret Reality
In a poignant twist, at the very moment he was exchanging messages with the 'Wrecking Ball' singer, Kenworthy was secretly involved in a relationship with a man. He described a world of 'clandestine meetings and hookups,' a dynamic that mirrored the hidden on-screen romance between the characters Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov in Heated Rivalry.
Kenworthy's personal journey led him to publicly come out as gay in 2015. Far from harbouring any ill will, Miley Cyrus emerged as one of his most vocal and supportive allies. The former Hannah Montana star took to Instagram at the time to celebrate her 'courageous' friend.
'Never have I ever been prouder to call @guskenworthy my friend! (and he’s a bad ass f***ing Olympic athlete),' she wrote. 'You have won so much more than any medal…. You have won FREEDOM! I looooove looooove looooove you!'
A Deeper Character Connection
Kenworthy also revealed to The New Yorker a painful affinity with another character from the HBO Max hit, Scott Hunter, portrayed by Francois Arnaud. He identified with the character's internal struggle. 'He wanted to be out, but really, just truly felt like he couldn’t be, because of his circumstances,' Kenworthy said. 'That was me for so many years. I had the same yearning - to be in love, to be public and to not have to hide.'
Looking to the Future
In a significant development for his sporting career, Gus Kenworthy has officially announced he is coming out of retirement. The decorated skier is set to compete in his fourth Winter Olympics at the 2026 Games in Milan and Cortina, aiming to add to his legacy on the world's biggest athletic stage.
